Powell - New Beta Vol. 2

Powell - New Beta Vol. 2
"The idea of [New] Beta was that it's a work-in-progress." Powell, speaking late last year to Radar Radio, also suggested the series—vinyl-only and, unlike some past releases, inconspicuously promoted—allowed him the freedom to experiment without the pressure of expectation. As Powell's description suggests, the results find him in a state of flux. Though the DNA of his music remains—jagged, reverb-free synths, the playful harshness of early '80s electronic music—the sound on New Beta Vol. 2 is sparser and, in a few cases, more expansive. "Strobe"'s sour synth melody is transportive, a feeling you'd rarely associate with Powell. The flat, dissonant notes on "PosTAe," meanwhile, echo Aphex Twin.

IDM isn't the only nod here. "Drumz VIP"'s breaks and spasms of snares, vocals and bass amount to an abstract take on drum & bass. "Rudeboy, Let's Funk," another highlight, is '90s hardcore as imagined by Cabaret Voltaire. The execution across New Beta Vol. 2 is up and down, but more often than not the ideas are compelling. "PosTAe" and "Strobe" dabble promisingly with melody and atmosphere, as does "Slippy Pig," whose sliminess floods the bass and dial-twisted squalls. New Beta Vol. 2's shortcomings seem tied to the exploratory method Powell has applied. (This mini-album, like the last one, was written using recently acquired polyphonic hardware.) "Slippy Pig" takes a while to get going and "Sneak 2_05"'s simple arps and drums feel undercooked. New Beta Vol. 2 isn't an essential record, but it's strong enough to bode well for whatever follows.